rixter

I'm getting the new home shop set up and have never actually purchased a compressor myself (odd come to think of it)
any opinions on this one? price is good, but not sure of power
tia
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47065

John Veninger

Go for a belt drive unit that is 5-6hp, 220v
3.5cfm@90 isn't going to run a 1/2" impact.
When it comes to an air compressor, more IS better

Greggles

ditto
You'll need between 5-6 cfm @90 psi.
Look at your gun specs. Most 1/2 impact gun need at least 4.5

the flyin' scotsman

I've got a Campbell Hausfeld 2hp...........runs all my air tools including 1/2" impact.............had for years, still runs well despite almots zero maintenance and much abuse...........very useful for MM r&r and suspension upgrades on 928s (for Randys benifit so thread isn't punted).

deliriousga

Absolutely. Especially if you start getting into any body work, etc. where you're sanding or grinding. Mine was in the $450 range and works beautifully with the air wrench, grinder, airbrush and sprayer.

Rob Roy

I got a 60 gallon 7 hp "Kobalt" compressor from Lowes - about 11 cfm @ 0 psi. It was about $440 or so. No problems so far - not a brand name but I am happy.

Garth S

.... definitely belt drive, oil type ( the direct drive are very noisy): The vertical configuration is better re the footprint - mine is horizontal

rixter

thanks guys...
so something more like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/CRAFTSMAN-COMPRE...QQcmdZViewItem

michaelathome

Rixter,

I have the exact same Craftsman. It works great for everything but sanding/grinding. It does not have a high enough output at 90cfm to keep a wheel spinning. Also it is MF LOUD!! Don't plan on having a conversation in the garage while it is running which can take 3-5min. Sanding with an random orbital plan on it running ALL the time and it still lacks in CFM to run one right. Look for something along that line that it oiled instead of air and has a higher CFM at 90psi to handle the big jobs. What I found when I was looking is that it is borderline on max output for a 110volt compressor, any higher hp and you jump to 220v. Last but not least the draw on that model is 14amp. my garage fuse is 15amp. No running the MF! loud compressor at night w/the lights on

Good luck and in this case bigger AND oiled is better!

Michael

milwaukeeshark

Rixter,

That Craftsman is the one I have and I haven't run into any limitations yet. Runs 1/2" impact, grinders, cutoff, HVLP spray with good results. A little loud, but does a good job.

s928s

bigger is always better. If you are looking to stay portable, the craftsman is ok for small garage products. Although I am a fan of Harbor Freight, there may be some longivity issues with the no name unit. I have an oil less 25 gallon, craftsman, loud as hell, cant stand to be in the garage when it cycles. It will take off the lug nuts but must run to rebuild a charge in between. I mainly use a 1/4 or 3/8 ratchett or 3/8 impact for most other work. I also have a 10hp 220 60 gallon Cambell Hosfeld
in the new garage, belt driven and quiet when working in a closed 2 car garage..aaahhhh...

A few things you need to decide are:
1. permanent or portable ?
2. types of usage...any body work ( sanders/grinders ) require alot of air volumn. Would not go less than a 60 gallon tank and 7hp..even then the compressor will run to keep up.

rixter

my requirements:
more permanent
I have a seperate room I can put it in so noise isn't an issue
already wired 220 so that's not an issue
don't plan on any extensive body work
will want to run a small sprayer for dye work
WANT to keep it fairly inexpensive
MUST be strong enough for me to disassemble a 928

BC

So Quiet = belt driven two stage?

John Veninger

Guide:
http://www.toolbarn.com/cgi-bin/buyerguides.cgi?guide=1

rixter

that's what I needed... thanks John!